Ashley Pharis's Blog
Up with HOPE, Down with DOPE! / May 9, 11:00 AM
Ok so I participated in my first official march. It was pretty cool.
So two Saturdays ago we had our kick-off of the Fast, Pray & March series in North Lawndale. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about the turn-out, wondering if it was just gonna me and Stanley and a few kids from Celestial Ministries.
When I first arrived at the church around 12:15 we had a few women from the church inside, sitting in the sanctuary praying their hearts out. One thing I’ve learned about my experience here is that I love the way black people pray. Don’t get me wrong, prayer is prayer, simple as that. But there’s just something about the way these women and men pray, the sense of urgency and authority that’s expressed as they cry out, I mean CRY OUT to God, and the way the rhythm of their words can resemble a gentle lullaby one minute, then blare into an alarming call to action the next. And then everyone else, chiming in “Amen Father!” “Thank you Lord, Yes Lord!”. It is powerful.
So I sat in the lobby, trying my best to listen to the women in the sanctuary while manning the sign in table. We had a few folks come in to sign up for the march, but by the time 1pm rolled around, I again wondered if our turn-out was even worthwhile for a march.
Then I heard Stanley yelling, saying it was time to go. I went to the doors to see if they were moving and I was shocked to see a large crowd of people- kids, adults, young men, even some senior citizens! It was amazing!! The drumline from Celestial Ministries started pounding out the beat and began leading us down the street. WE WERE MARCHING!
0 Comments
Leave a Comment...
Read more of Ashley Pharis's Blogs.
